Girl Scouts get BB&T gift for tech network

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Setting the stage for their merger this October, the Girl Scouts, Tarheel Triad Council, has received $250,000 from BB&T to develop an information-technology network linking it with four other councils in Western North Carolina.

The gift, the biggest ever to the council other than capital-campaign contributions, was made in honor of Betty M. Allison, a long-time Girl Scout adviser, supporter and leader, and on behalf of her husband, John A. Allison, who retired at the end of 2008 as BB&T chairman and CEO.

The council also is dedicating to Betty Allison, who has served on its board for 10 years, a 50-acre undeveloped natural preserve it owns near its headquarters in Colfax that will serve as the transitional headquarters for the merger.

The gift, which was made through the annual drive of United Way of Forsyth County, will let the Tarheel Triad Council move ahead with plans to electronically link all five councils, including those based in Asheville, Gastonia, Hickory and Charlotte, which includes Girls Scouts in York County, S.C.

That tech infrastructure will be designed to give Scouts and their leaders and councils better access to Girl Scouts events, programs and ideas.